Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument having an internally disposed ratchet mechanism located within a barrel portion of a handle assembly. The instrument includes a handle assembly having a pivoting handle and a stationary handle, a barrel portion to which an elongated body assembly is secured, and a ratchet mechanism for releasably positioning a tool mechanism located at the distal end of the body assembly at various increments. The ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl member and a rack member which are disposed within the handle assembly. A rotational knob and locking member may also be provided to lock the body assembly at various orientations to the longitudinal axis. The tool assembly includes novel atraumatic jaw mechanisms incorporating flexural characteristics to better gauge the force being applied to the captured tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided which includes a handle portion and an elongated endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has a fixed inner tubular section which depends from the handle portion, and an outer tubular section mounted for coaxial reciprocating movement with respect to the fixed inner tubular section. A resilient articulating member extends from the fixed inner tubular section and is movable in response to reciprocating movements of the outer tubular section between a first unstressed position and a second stressed position. Tool means are operatively connected to the distal end of the resilient articulating member for performing surgical tasks.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The anastomosis surgical stapling instrument is provided with a slide plate within the yoke which is responsive to the movement of the center rod in order to block the movement of safety lock prior to positioning of the anvil assembly in a position for firing of the staples. The slide plate is bias by a spring to follow the movement of the center rod. Further, the center rod is provided with a recessed portion to provide a clearance for the arms of the handles so that jamming of the center rod is avoided after firing of the staples. An indicator is also provided to positively indicate when the staples have been fired. This indicator is mounted in the side of the yoke and is responsive to the movement of the pusher tube.

Abstract: A surgical fastener, such as a stapler, is constructed of a pair of opposed jaws, one of which comprises an anvil and the other of which holds the fastener holder assembly, such as a cartridge, oriented towards the anvil. A clamp bar operable by a lever is longitudinally displaceable to advance the cartridge towards the anvil to clamp the subject matter prior to fastening. The clamp bar rides within a frame which supports the lever and the jaws. A thrust bar is longitudinally displaceable in response to the pivoting of a trigger to operate staple pushing elements within the cartridge to eject the fasteners towards the anvil for engagement with body tissue to be fastened. The thrust bar rides within the clamp bar. A pin is inserted between ends of the jaws to secure the jaws against loss of any portion of the body tissue during the clamping procedure. The pin has a cam surface which moves during a securing of the pin. A lockout system is provided for preventing both clamping and ejection of the fasteners, e.g.

Abstract: The anastomosis surgical stapling instrument is provided with a slide plate within the yoke which is responsive to the movement of the center rod in order to block the movement of safety lock prior to positioning of the anvil assembly in a position for firing of the staples. The slide plate is biased by a spring to follow the movement of the center rod. Further, the center rod is provided with a recessed portion to provide a clearance for the arms of the handles so that jamming of the center rod is avoided after firing of the staples. An indicator is also provided to positively indicate when the staples have been fired. This indicator is mounted in the side of the yoke and is responsive to the movement of the pusher tube.

Abstract: An improved surgical stapler for simultaneously applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue, incorporating a flexible and resilient shield assembly comprising a substantially U-shaped wedge member mounted to and around the end of the anvil assembly, for separating extraneous body tissue from tissue to be fastened, and two shutter blades mounted on the sides of the wedge member for preventing extraneous body tissue from entering into the gap between the anvil assembly and fastener holder.